Charges against the Mining Inspector.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3533, 22 April 1880, Page 2

Charges against the Mining Inspector.

Concerning the enquiry into certain charges against Mr Mcllhone in his capacity of Inspector of Miners' Rights, we may say that little fresh has turned up siuce yesterday. Mr D. Stewart, as agent for bis natire relations, who own more fhan one half of the goldfield, was examined to-day, and deposed that on many occasions he had called ou the Inspector to accompany him and see that the interests of his people were attended to. He always found Mr Mcllhone willing to perform his duty and he had no complaint against the manner in whioh he discharged it. He might add that he sometimes thought the Inspector might hare been more active, but he believed that if any persons were mining without rights and not brought before the court that it was in consequence of their impecupiosity. It was clearly understood at the time of Mr Mclllione's appointment that he was to hare a discretionavy power, and that in case he was satisfied that offenders against the regulations were not in position to comply with the law, .he could withhold proceedings. He strongly objected. to that portion of thepetition referring to the appointment Hamiora Mangakahia and\ H. X Camp* bell in Mr Mcll hone's stead, Mr Campbell said he had several other names to add to the Hat of defaulting miners, and stated that three witnesses' were in attendance yesterday, but not examined, all of whom disappeared, and it came to his knowledge that the Inspector had paid all of them to keep away, giving one of them £20 for that purpose.

Mr Kenrick promised to enquire intothe tiuth of the latter statement, and the Inspector concurred in the desirability of tracing the rumor to its source. The KM. granted Mr Campbell till 4 o'cl ck to put in the amended list of defaulters, cud ordered that Mr Moll hone should .be supplied with a copy. To-morrow evening Vo trust to be able to supply our readers with the tenor of Mr Mcllhono's defence.